Bag packaging system

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and method for classifying products to be packaged, distributing the classified products to index positions corresponding to their classifications and holding the classified products for packaging, indexing bags into product loading positions corresponding to the index positions by conveying imbricated taped bags into loading positions keyed to the classifications, inflating the taped bags, inserting the indexed items into the bags and removing the loaded bags from the loading position, conveying the loaded bags to an evacuating and closing position, evacuating and closing the bags and subsequently shrinking the bags.

[451 Apr. 17, 1973 Primary Examiner Travis S. McGehee Attorney-John J.Toney et a].

[541 BAG PACKAGING SYSTEM lnventorz John T. Roberts, Simpsoriville, SC.

[ ABSTRACT I Apparatus and method for classifying products to beAssignee: W. R. Grace & Co., Duncan, SC.

Filed z 1 Sept. 20, 1971 [21] A l N 182161 packaged, distributing theclassified products to index positions corresponding to theirclassifications and holding the classified products for packaging,indexing Related US. Application Data bags into product loadmg positionscorresponding to [62] Division of Ser. No. 9,869, Feb. 9, I970.

the index positions by conveying irnbricated taped bags into loadingpositions keyed to the classifications,

521 (LS. inflating the taped bags inserting the indexed items Cl-........-..-..-i............................B65b i h and removing theloaded bags from the [58]FieldofSearch......................................53/59W loadingposition conveying the loadedg to an evacuating and closing position,evacuating and clos- [56] Reierences C'ted ing the bags and subsequentlyshrinking the bags,

UNITED STATES PATENTS 1 Claim, 23 Drawing Figures .53/59 W X 53/59 WPATENTED APR! 3, 727, 3 7 2 SHEET 01 0F 12 FIG. I

PATENTED APR] H975 SHEET 238? 12 FIG. 3

FIG. I?

PATENTEI] APR 1 7 I973 B W I o o o o r l vr k I I II .:"L Q w OK 3 mon8m x won fi m! vmn mom mm. bl N2 4 O on n! 9 Q2 0 on; an. a w l 4 \i 0)f \I L n non o v! 21 O 3m 8w m- 0! Zn N 0mm 8 -n 0 21m m N w N3 Iv 3m a0mm 0 n I21 WM vmu 3n tn usn N! 2 EN 03 a f m! won8 .5.

' PATENTEUAPR :7 :215

SHEET. {170$ 12 PATENTHW 71973 3. 727. 372- SHEET OSOF 12 j FIG. I0 245\y' ---zms V FIG. u

FIG. l2

FAIG. l3

PATENTED APR? 7 3. 727, 372

SHEET llUF 12 FIG. I6

PATENTED APR 7197s SHEET 12 0F 12 BAG PACKAGING SYSTEM This applicationis a division of my prior copending application Ser. No. 009,869, filedon Feb. 9, 1970.

My invention relates to packaging apparatus and methods for packagingand more particularly to the classification of items and their packagingaccording to classification.

It is an object of my invention to provide a new and improved packageclassification apparatus.

It is another object of my invention to provide an improved bagpositioning apparatus.

It is a still further object of my invention to provide an improved bagopening apparatus.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved bag loadingapparatus.

It is a still further object of my invention to provide such apparatusin a system whereby a random group of products to be packaged may befeed into the system, classified, and loaded into bags keyed to theclassification, vacuumized, clipped and shrunk in a most expeditiousmanner.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a system thatis economical to manufacture and economical in operation.

It is a further object of this invention to provide such a system thatlends itself to operation by unskilled operators and requires the leastpossible manual manipulation of the product commenserate with theexpense of operation and cost of equipment.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an advantageousmethod for classifying products and putting them into individual bagskeyed to the classification of the products and subsequentlyvacuumiaing, clipping and shrinking thebags tightly down on the productto provide a pleasing package.

In certain applications, it is desirable, to feed a random assortment ofitems to be packaged, such as poultry products, have the itemsautomatically classified according to a standard such as the weight ofthe individual products and then deliver these classified products toloading stations in a manner allowing manual operators to have a smallbut continuous supply of the products always available for packaging. Insuch operations it is also desirable to have the appropriate bagsindividually indexed into positions corresponding to the classifiedproducts for loading by the operators and to have a bag delivered to theloading station and automatically opened immediately upon removal of aprevious bag and to provide an easy procedure involving the leastpossible manual manipulation of the product both into the bag and of theloaded bag away from the loading station. Such packages are desirablyvacuumized and clipped and thereafter passed through the heat shrinktunnel to shrink the vacuumized bags tightly down onto the product toprovide a pleasing package. The package product is then usually moved toa station for chilling and boxing for shipment. It is of coursedesirable that this procedure be carried out with the consumption of theleast possible plant space.

Further aspects of the present invention will become appareanthereinafter and the specification concludes with claims particularlypointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that I regard asmy invention. The invention however as to organization and method ofoperation together with other objects and advantages, can best beunderstood by referring to the following description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation in perspective view of a portionof the packaging system of my invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic represe tation in perspective view of the nextadjoining portion of my package system.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation in plan view of the downstreamend portion. .of my packaging system.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation in perspective view of theapparatus 32 of FIG. 1 with parts broken away and extended for purposesof illustration.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation in plan view with parts brokenaway and shown in phantom of the forward portion 33 of the apparatus ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation in side elevation view withparts broken away of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation in fragmentary perspective viewwith parts broken away of the apparatus 144 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation in perspective view with partsbroken away of a different view of the apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation in perspective view with partsbroken away of the apparatus 221 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9A is a diagrammatic representation in side elevation view of theswitch 266 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation in side elevation view of aportion of the apparatus of FIG. 9 with a bag held in inflated positionthereon.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation in side elevation view of apackage of taped imbricated bags used with my invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation in rear elevation view of thebags of FIG. 1 1. FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation in pla viewof an individual bag of FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic representation in fragmentary side elevationview with parts broken away of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 14A is. a diagrammatic representation in plain view ofthe cam 381ofF'IG. 14.

FIG. 14B is a diagrammatic representation in perspective view of theclamping means 362 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic representation in fragmentary perspective viewwith parts broken away of the opening camming parts of arm 372 of FIG.2.

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic representation in side elevation view of thenozzle 335 of FIG. 2 in both its down clamped position and its raisedclamped position.

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic representation plan view with parts brokenaway of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and 14.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation in plan view with parts brokenaway of a portion of the clipper of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is another diagrammatic representation in plan view with theparts broken away of the clipper of FIG. 18 showing additional parts andthe clipper in closed position.

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation in cross section of a portionof the clipper feed track of FIG. 19.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, apreferred embodiment of the semiautomatic packaging machine or apparatus20 is shown therein. The apparatus 20 includes a classifier 21, a bagloader 22, a bagged product conveyor 23,a vacuumizing and closing device24, a prepared package conveyor 25, and a shrink tunnel 26 as its majorcomponents.

The classifier 21 is shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 6 to include an inputtiming or spacer belt conveyor means 27, a classifying conveyor sizer30, an electronic eye sensing and initiating signalling trigger means31, a pivotal gravity feed diverter chute means 32, indexing classifiedproduct receiver means 33, and a plurality of gravity feed productinventory chute dispenser means 34. The input timing means 27 includes atiming belt 35 having its conveying surface at least 1/2 ft. and morepreferably at least about 1 foot above the main manual working level ofthe packaging machine 20 which level is considered to generallycorrespond to the level of the bagged product conveyor 23. Generally thebag loading work surface is about three-fourth of the way down from thelevel of the upper surface of the timing belt 35. The platform or walk38 would be raised off of the floor about one-fourth the differencebetween the height of the timing belts upper working surface 26 and themain working level. For example, the usual main manual working level is32-40 inches, the platfonn 38 is 9% l7.inches off of the floor, thegravity feed diverter chute means 34 is sloped at an angle of from 8 Forfresh poultry, with surface fat or moisture, the preferred slope is 8or 1. The bagging work level at bag loader 22 is 39 47 inches and thetiming 'belt 35 is 62 70 inches off of the floor. A marking indiciaproviding marked position time feed sequence or signaling means 37 onthe conveying surface 36 of the timing belt conveyor 35 indicates to orsignals an operator when to load a product to be packaged into thepackaging machine 20. Depending on the length of the belt and the speedof operation the timing belt 35 can of course have one or moresignalling indicia thereon. The marking indicia shown is a singlepainted rectangular area of which two are provided (only one shown) atevenly spaced intervals on the conveying surface 36 of the timing belt.Spring guide arms 40 and 41 aid the operator in placing the product tobe packaged directly onto the proper indicia position 37 if the machineis to be manually loaded. A switch 42 is provided to shut off the powerto electric motor 43 and stop the timing belt 35 to stop the in-feed ofproducts by the timing belt when desired or should a situation arisenecessitating such action. Switch 42 has a large hand engaging surfaceso that an operator may hit it easily should a defective product be fedonto the belt 35 or should the product ahead fail to clear and startbacking up for example. Electric cord 44 supplies electric current tothe motor 43. It may be seen that the timing belt 35 may be shut downwithout shutting off the classifying conveyor sizer 30. The timing belt35 is of the conventional slide belt type and is of course supported ona frame 45.

The classifying conveyor sizer 30 is a differentiating means equipped toclassify the input product into a plurality of classifications. Thesizer 30 has a slide belt conveyor 46 mounted on a scale or weighingmeans that operates through a pivot bar signalling means 47 thatregisters with photo electric sensors 54A and 548 in the particularembodiment here illustrated to sense undersize, on size, and oversize.In this particular .preferred embodiment,size is detected as weight butit is to be understood that in other embodiments the classifier could bedifferent and classify according to quality or some otherclassification. The photo electric sensor 50, of course, has a lightsource 51 and an optical system 52 which transfers the beam 53. Theinformation sensed by the electronic sensor, or eye 50, is received incontrol box 55 which switches or holds the pivotal gravity feed diverterchute means 32 to properly classify or index the product. As a matter ofvisual convenience the control box 55 contains a visual light 56 forindicating whether or not the input timing means 27 is in operation anda visual light 57 to show if the classifying sizer 30 is in operationplus three lights 60 to visually indicate that the classification of theproduct on the classifying sizer 30 is on weight, underweight, oroverweight. Electric cord 61 powers the belt conveyor 46 throughelectric motor 62. The classifying sizer 30 has a suitable frame 63which contains the appropriate mounting means for its parts. The controlbox 55 may be mounted in a control panel with other switches such as atotal power on and off switch (not shown) for the entire packagingmachine 20. The equipment used in providing the classifying sizer 30 wasModel Number 1251 special Selectrol System for poultry with solid statecircuitry which was purchased from Exact Weight Scale Co. although thespecific setup shown in this application was provided by the applicant.

The sensing and initiating means 31 includes a light source 64 and aphoto-electrode sensing means 65 for sensing the interuption of thelight beam 66 in response to a product passing through the beam as itexits from the dispensing sizer classifying sizer 30. The sensing andinitialing means is also tied electrically by cord 67 into the controlbox 55 and electrically signals or triggers the means within the controlbox to cause the positioning of the diverter 32 in proper registry withthe indexing receiver 33 as selected by the classifying sizer 30.

Looking in particular now at FIG. 4 it may be seen that the divertermeans 32 diverts the classified product to a plurality of inventorystorage positions. The diverter means has a chute conveyor 70 which ismounted on rod 71 which is journaled in support 72 for pivoting movementbetween a plurality of three indexed positions which are selected byresponse to the weight sensed by the classifying sizer 30 upon theinitiation of the sensing and initiating means 31 when it is activatedby interruption of the light beam 66. A support arm 73 is securedbetween the conveyor chute 70 and the rod 71 as a strengthening member,supporting the conveyor -70 on the rod 71. The conveyor 70 isreciprocated by twin air cylinders 74 and 75 having positive in and outreciprocation air drive. The two air cylinders are bolted together inreverse order as shown in FIG. 4 to provide the desired three positions.Looking at FIG. 4 to reciprocate the conveyor wholly to the right thepistons in both cylinders would be retracted,

to reciprocate the conveyor 70 to the intermediate or middle positionone of the pistons would be activated to extend the piston rod and tomove the conveyor 70 to the left both piston rods would be extended. Itmay be seen that the air cylinder 74 is tied to support arm 73 throughits piston rod 76 and that air cylinder 75 is connected to a retainingsupport 77 by its rod 80. The air valves are selectively controlledthrough the control box 55 which signals the desired positions of theconveyor 70 as indicated by the classifying sizer 30 upon an initiatingsignal from the initiating means 31. The control box electricallytriggers the proper sequence in electric solenoid air valves 81 and 82which are shown connected to the control box 55 through electric conduit83, FIG. 1. The electric solenoid air valves are shown independentlyconnected to an air supply source not shown through conduits 84 and 85,but in actual practice may be cross connected internally so that onlyone input air conduit and only one input electrical conduit need bebrought to the solenoids. This is considered preferable in connecting upthe apparatus onsite. However, for illustrative purposes they have beenshown separately connected to the signal means at the control box 55 andto the air source. Of course, air conduits 86 and 87 supply the air todrive the piston rod 76 in and out respectively in the conventionalmanner and air lines 90 and 91 supply the air to drive the piston rod 80in and out respectively. Frame 92 is provided for supporting the partsof the apparatus 32.

Looking now in particular at FIG. 5 it may be seen that the indexingreceiver means 33, at the outlet from the diverter means, has analternating switching or diverter gate means 93 that alternates to closeone of the two medial or intermediate indexing conveying channels 94 and95 looking at FIGS. 1 and 5. In FIG. 5 the gate or reciprocal divertermeans 96 is shown in solid line in the position indicated by phantomlines in FIG. 1. The diverter means 96 reciprocates alternately to openalternately one and then the other of the intermediate positions whichpositions will be discussed below. An air cylinder 97 is the power meansfor reciprocating the gate 96. The air cylinders piston rod 100 isconnected by a pivot joint 101 to an arm 102 which is directly andrigidly connected to the gate member 96 by pin 103. The cylinder 97 isconnected to the frame 104 by a pivot joint 105. The air cylinder 97 isof the type that is positively driven .to both the rod in and rod outpositions by air pressure. An air pilot valve 106 switches the airpressure from the rod in air line 107 to rod out air line 110 inresponse to the engagement of the triggering plungers 111 and 112 onnormally off air switches 113 and 114 respectively which are connectedto an air supply regulator l and to the air pilot valve 106 as shown inphantom lines in FIG. 5. Triggering signal flap means 116 and 117operate trigger plungers 111 and 112 respectively in response to aproduct passing through the open intermediate slot chute and over theflaps which may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 5 to project up in the respectivechannels 94 and 95 and which are resiliently biased and held upwardly innormal position but flex downwardly to activate the normally off airswitches to provide a signal to the pilot valve 106 when a productpasses over them. The gate 96 reverses upon each passage of a productinto one of the medial channels 94 and 95 when the product engages arespective signaling means 1 16 or 117. Needle valves 123 and 124provide a final air pressure adjustment means for air lines 107 and 110respectively to provide a desired quickness of action in the gate 96.

The outer indexing conveying channel means or slot chute position 120and 121 are also provided in the indexing receiving means 33. Byproviding two independent channels 120 and 121 for over-sized andundersized product respectively and an. intermediate single entrancedivided channel 122 which divides into channels 94 and 95, a receivingand dispensing classifying system having four indexing means positionsof simplified control requirements is provided. This is particularlytrue from an electronic standpoint. This is done by requiring theplacement of the product in only three categories under-sized, on-size,and over-size, on the first sorting with the majority of the productgoing to the on-size position and dispensing in only three positions viathe more expensive electronic controlled apparatus and using asimplified 2 position reversing gate to separate the on-weight productinto two groups. It is possible for the motivating means for switchingthe divider means 32 to its indexed position to be simplified to onlytwo reverse bolted together air cylinders 74 and 75, for example,because of the holding of the initial classification step to 3positions. The alternating gate means 32 in the indexing receiver means33 enables the larger quantity of product in the on-weight size to bedistributed into two channels which maintains the overall classifierapparatus in shortened compact construction. Thus, one of the outer slotchutes is for oversize product and the opposite outer slot chute is forthe under-sized product while the two intermediate slot chutes are forthe on-weight material. While this is the preferred embodiment,additional slot chutes or channels could be provided with additionaldiverters and classifiers having more classification positions. However,it may be seen that such devices quickly become more cumbersome asadditional classifications are added and in many instances other systemswould then become more advisable than the system of my invention.

As may be seen in FIG. 1 the medial indexing conveying channels 94 andand the outer indexing conveying channels and 121 are a direct andintegral part of the plurality of four gravity feed product inventorychute dispensers 125 and 126, 127, and 128 that form a gravity feeddispenser. Inventory storage dispensers 125 and 128 form outer storagepositions and inventory storage dispensers 126 and 127 form anintermediate double position. The four chutes are aligned side by sideand provide four feed and storage channels. The inventory dispensers125, 126, 127 and 128 have gate means or dispensing means 130,131, 132,133 respectively associated therewith. Each of the gate means has threeclosing rods 134, 135 and 136 which are specifically numbered only atdispensing means because they are identical in the case of thedispensing means 130, 131, 132, and 133. These three closing rods may beseen to project upwardly through apertures or openings in the bottom ofthe channels at their lower or exit ends, such as 137.

The gate rods reciprocate, rising up and dropping down through theopenings to open and close the respective channels or chutes.

The rods, as may be seen in FIG. 6 referring for convenience to rod 136for discussion purposes, pass wholly through the piston cylinder 140 toprovide better leveraged mounting for the rod in its closing positionwhen it is bumped against by a large product with substantial force. Theentire air cylinder 141 is secured by a bracket 142 to the bottom of thegravity feed. inventory chute means 34. The top of the rod 136 isnormally rounded so that it will push any product positioned over thegate means out of the way when it closes should an item of product beover the aperture 137.

As may be seen looking at FIG. 6 the product dispenser means 34 isdirectly connected to the bag loader 22 at 143. The twin reciprocaldispensing air insertion tables, or airblowing means 144 and 145,control the position of the gate means 130, 131, 132, and 133. It willbe understood from looking at FIGS. 1, 6, and 7 that air box 144controls gate dispensing means 130 and 131 and table 145 controls gates132 and 133. The gate control switiching mechanism, or signaling means,of air boxes 144 and 145 are identical and for purposes of conveniencedescription will be given with respect only to air box 144. Only one ofthe two gate controls of air box 144 will be described,for each of thetwo gate controls is the same,except obviously the switching mechanismis turned in the opposite direction for operation by the opposite sideof the box.

Turning first briefly to the framing mounting the air boxes 144 and 145,frame 146 contains two interconnected hollow manifold members 147 and150 and an electric conduit member 151. Both the manifold members andthe electric conduit also serve as support members. Conduit 147 is arelatively high pressure conduit carrying a pressure of 45 pounds persquare inch and manifold 150 is a low pressure manifold carrying apressure of 27 pounds per square inch in this preferred embodiment.Manifolds 147 and 150 are connected to the same air source throughindependent air lines (not shown) and they contain pressurevregulatingmeans as indicated at 152 and 153 respectively. Manifold 147 has twoarms 154 and 155 extending across stream of the package machine and aconnecting ann 156 extending in the machine direction andinterconnecting the two arms 154 and 155. Arm 154 of the manifold 147serves as the structural mounting means for the.

bottom edge of the table 144 which rides on the angle iron 157 which iswelded to the top surface of the arm 154. As may be seen in FIG. 7rollers 160 and 161 are secured to a carriage member 162 which supportsair box 144. The bottom edge 163 mounts the wheels 160 and 161, whichare mounted projecting perpendicularly therefrom. The bottom edge 163 isset at an angle so that the wheels 160 and 161 engage evenly on surface158 of the angle iron 157 as shown in no. 7. Two upper rollers 164 and165 are mounted in an outwardly projectly upper edge 166 of the carriagemember 162 which extends perpendicularly from the main body 167 of thecarriage 162. Rollers 164 and 165 ride against the inside of the trackmeans or angle iron 170. The movement of the table 144 is stopped in itsouter direction in alignment with gate 130 by bumper 171 and the tableis held in this position by a detent rivet 172. A bearing roller engagesthe lower edge 175 of the track 170 to maintain the rollers 160 and 161engaged against the track means or angle iron 157 and in the angledchannel or track 176 formed by the angle iron and the flat upper surfaceof the conduit 155. A slot 173 is formed in the upper edge 166 of thecarriage 162 and serves to allow wheel 174 to contact edge 175.

The wheel 174 is mounted by clamping it securely in its adjustment slot177 which allows vertical adjustment in the position of the wheel. Toremove the air box 144 from the tracks of the frame 146 the projectionmembers 182 are pivoted to a horizontal position and the outer end ofthe air box 144 is tipped upwards and then after the wheels 160 and 161have cleared track 158, the inner end of the box is dropped to clearwheels 164 and 165 from engagement with track 170 and the box 144 isthen free from its mounting. The air box 144 may need to be removed forrepairs or other reasons.

To operate the gate 130 an air valve 180 is positioned at the end of thetrack of the table 144 and has a switch plunger 181 extending beyond thebumper 171 for engagement by a switch engaging projection member 182secured to the lower edge 163 of the carriage 167 by the same shaft 182that secures the wheel 160. The switch engaging projection 183 may berotated upon the shaft 183 to give the proper switch engagement so thatthe switch will not be broken by being overpressed. The swtich engagingprojection member 183, however, is tightly held so that it will not moveunintentionally. It may be seen that the air valve 180 is connected tothe manifold 155 by conduit 184, air lines 185 and 186 extend from theair valve and branch to connect to the respective cylinders controllingrods 134, 135, and 137. It will be understood that the opposite end ofthe track for table 144 is an exact reverse of the end illustrated inFIG. 7 and functions in exactly the same manner to operate the gate 131.It will also be understood that the air box 145 has the same mounting,movement characteristics and action as the air box 144.

Looking now at other aspects of the air box insertion table 144 and inparticular at FIG. 8, it may be seen that the air box contains an airblower 185 of the centerfugal drum type driven by an electric motor 188mounted in the air box as may be seen. An air chute 186 is provided todirect the air from the outlet 187 of the air blower 185 upwardly andprovide the proper functional air flow. The chute extends to the outeredge of the upper table surface 194. The lower chute defining surface orair deflection plate 190 stops short of the lower edge of the outlet 187of the air blower 185 to leave a gap therebetween and the bottom of thetable 144 is open so that in normal packing house procedures, water andother material falling off of the product into the chute may pass downthe chute and fall through the open bottom of the table 144 withoutfouling the air blower 185. To this end a reverse chute deflection plate191 is secured to the margins of the outlet 187 of the blower below airdeflection plate 190 and extends from adjacent the blower at an angle toslope downwardly in a reverse direction away from the blower to betterdispose of the possible waste material falling through the gap betweenthe air deflection plate 190 and the blower 185 in a more desirable fallthrough direction and speed.

Product guide and insertion arms 192 and 193 (FIG. 7) are shownextending over and above the upper planar product transfer table surface194 and forming therewith a loading chute. The arms are resilient andspring apart when a product larger than their outer separation distanceis forced through them. They are made of spring steel and they areconnected together by a cross piece 196 engaged on the upstream end 200of the air box. The arms 192, as may be seen in FIG. 1, are widelyspaced where joined by member 196 at their upstream ends and converge attheir downstream ends. The cross piece 196 contains a rivet 201 whichengages in aperture 202. Thus the upper surface 194 contains one of theelements or members that secures the product guide and insertion device203 in position. A depending flange 197 depends from the planar mountingmember, member 196 at its upstream end by and fits over the edge of thetable surface 194 opposite said chute edge and aids in securing theproduct guide in the air dispensing table. Key slot 204 and key 205(another set being on the cut away portion exactly opposite the onesshown) engage in the back 200 and slide into position to further securethe product guide and insertion device in position. Of course, to mountthe product guide and insertion device it is first tipped upwardly andthe key is fitted into the key slot and the guide is then slipped intoits locking position as indicated in the drawing and then the rivet isfitted into its aperture 202 to prevent the guide from becoming.dislodged accidentally. A small product guide and sliding surfaceprotective rod member 206 is provided to fit over the chute so that aproduct will not excessively protrude or hang down into the chute 186.Except for the guide 206 a small product could even fall into the chute.As may be determined from FIG. 8, only one-half of the guide 206 isshown, the other half being exactly identical. The guide 206 has aforwardly projecting rod 207 which has a post 210 which has a reduceddiameter 21 1 received in an aperture in the bottom surface 190 of thechute and a rearwardly extending portion 212 engaged in a mountingaperture 213. The rearward insertion of the guide portion 212 is stoppedby the corss bar 214 which engages against the turned down edge 215 ofthe surface 194. The rod is positioned by first inserting the rearwardextending portion 212 in the aperture 213 and thereafter inserting thereduced area 211 in the aperture in the bottom of the chute. Of course,it will be understood that the side of the guide 206 that has been cutaway for purposes of illustration has complimentary parts simultaneouslyposition as indicated for the side described. The guide is removed toclean the chute 186.

Looking now at FIGS. 1, 6, and 9, a product insertion table and bagindexing means or tape puller unit means 216, 217, 220, and 221 may beseen. The forward edges of the product insertion tables generally definethe loading position. Each of the product insertion tables is in generalalignment with one of the dispensing chutes. The table and tape indexingunits or bag loaders and product insertion stations are shown only indiagrammatic outline in FIG. 1 in order to better illustrate the overallpackaging system. Looking now at the more detailed presentations of thetable and tape units and taking by way of example unit 221 and lookingin particular at FIGS. 6 and 9, it may be seen that a product insertiontable 222 is provided having a product support surface 223 that definesthe bag loading position. The forward edge 224 of the product insertiontable 222 is curved downwardly as may be seen in both FIG. 6 and 9. Theforward edge of the product insertion table is at the forward edge ofthe loading position. The bottom of the table and indexing tape unit 221isopen so that easy access to the inside of the unit 221 may be hadsimply by rotating the unit 221 on its pinned mounting 226. Rod 227serves as the pin and passes through respective aligned bracket membersas shown in FIG. 9. To totally dismount the unit it is only necessary toremove the rod 227. The rod 227 passes through a mounting (not shown)that is a reverse of mounting 226 on the other side of unit 221 and isheld in position through these two mountings by any convenient meanssuch as pins. As may be seen from FIG. land 6 if the table is moved toalign with the unit 220 then unit 221 may be rotated into the now openspace vacated by the table 145. The finger operated support yoke 230 isprovided on one side of the unit 221 to support it in stationaryoperating position. Yoke 230 may be rotated in its frictional journalingmember 231 (FIG. 9) which is welded to the upper surface of the mandrel150. Mounting member 226 is attached to the top surface of mandrel 155.

The bag interconnection means puller of tape puller 221 acts as a bagdispenser positioner means, positioning bags sequentially in the productinsertion station. The bag positioner may be seen in FIG. 6 and ingreater detail in FIG. 9. A power means, electric motor 233 of the slowspeed non-reversing type, may be seen in FIG. 9 to be directly connectedby power transfer means shaft 234 to a powered tape pulling gear wheelmeans 235 having gear teeth on its outer circumferential periphery whichmesh with the gear teeth of an ideler tape pulling gear wheel means 236.The teeth on the two wheels 235 and 236 engage or mesh with one anotherto grip the tapes 252 and 253 (FIGS. 10 and 12) therebetween and therebyconvey the tapes upon rotation of the powered tape pulling means 235.Wheel 236 is journaled in bracket 237 which is directly connected topiston rod 240 and thereby driven into and held in meshing engagementwith wheel 235 by the continuous supplying of air under pressure throughair lines 241 to the air cylinder 242. The cylinder 242 is spring loadedto bring about the retraction of the piston rod 241. To release wheel236 from meshing engagement with wheel 23S, handle 243 is moved to avalve closing position to shut off the air to the cylinder 242. Thecylinder is vented through the valve to allow the air to bleed from thecylinder 242. To re-engage the wheel 236 with the wheel 235 the handleis moved to the position to open the valve and admit air into the aircylinder 242. The air cylinder 242 is secured in the unit 221 by abracket means 244.

The particular packaging machine 20 shown as the preferred embodiment ofthis invention is equipped to handle double taped chains of imbricatedbags such as shown in FTGS. ll, 12, and 13. The imbricated package orassembly of bag 245 is made up of a plurality of individual bags 246,247, 250, and 251. These bags are adhered to two parallel and spacedapart pressure sensitive tacky tapes 252 and 253.

Looking now at FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, a grooved tape guide wheel 254 may beseen to be mounted on a bar or mounting bracket means 248 which hasseveral mounting positions other than the one it is presently in so thatit may be moved laterally to accomodate different spacings of the twotapes. Bags which are narrower generally have more closely spaced tapesand bags which are larger generally have tapes spaced further apartv Ofcourse, a corresponding guide wheel 255 is similarly mounted. The pairof guide wheels may be seen to be horizontally spaced apart forrespectively guiding the strands of tape from the product insertiontable to the meshing driven gear wheel and idler gear wheel. The productguide member 260 which cooperates'with product guide 206, is secured tothe forward face 261 of the unit 221. Of course, product guide 260 has atwin in the same position but on the cut away protion of the assembly221 shown in FIG. 9. Product guide 260 is positioned just inside of theadjacent product guide rod 206 so that a product moving across the rods206 will be received directly on guides 260 where they arejuxtapositioned thereby lifting the product up over the edge of theproduct support surface 223 in its medial position so that the productwill not catch on the forward edge of the bag in the loading positionremoving it from the tape prematurely or jam the signalling means 263 or287.

The electric motor 233 operates sequentially to move respective ones ofthe imbricated bags into the loading position successively as theprevious bag is removed from the loading position. A sensing orsignalling means, air jet 262 responds to the removal of a bag coveringthe opening 263 of the air jet. This freeing of the opening to theairjet allows the air to readily escape from the opening 263 whichresults in a drop in the air pressure in line 264. In this preferredembodiment the air is continuously supplied to line 264 at 3 pounds persquare inch through pressure regulator 265. This allows the bellows 267to contract and the normally closed switch 266 which is shown indiagrammatic section in FIG. 14 closes energizing the motor 233 anddriving the powered tape pulling wheel 235 indexing a new bag in theloading position, in which position the forward edge of the bag coversairjet 162. This causes an increase in the air pressure in line 164expanding diaphram 267 and thereby moving switch blade 270 and openingcontact 271 from contact 272. Of course, the removal of the bag wouldcause the diaphram to return to its normal contracted position allowingthe contact to close again and re-energize the motor 233 to index a newbag. Air line 264 contains a pressure gauge 273, a flow control valve274 to trim the air pressure and remove any substantial fluctuations orbackup pressure therefrom, a connection T 275, and a T 276 on which theswitch 266 is mounted. Switch 266 is electrically connected to incomingwires 277 and 278 from a power source and by wires 28] and 282 throughthe electric motor and through wires 283 and 284 to solenoid air valve285. Thus, the air jet signalling means is generally responsive to thepresence or absence of a bag at the forward edge of the loading positionand the indexing means responds to the signalling means to sequentiallyactivate the driven gear wheel to singly replace bags as they are singlyremoved from the forward edge of the loading position.

A mechanical override valve switch 286 has an operating switch arm 287that extends through the forward face 261 of the unit 221 below andbeyond the forward edge 224 of the surface 222 so that should a bagbeing indexed in the loading position not operate the signalling means262 as .it is pulled down over the edge 224 it will engage against theoperating arm 287. The operating arm 287 then engages plunger 290opening valve 286. Valve 286 is directly connected by air line 291 tothe air input line 292 which is connected to the manifold which is underan air pressure of about 30 psi. The opening of valve 286 thereforesupplies air at 30 psi through line 293 to line 293 to regulator 265.The relatively high and excessive pressure air passes through line 264to T 276 and brings about the expansion of diaphram 267 whether or notthe outlet 263 is open, opening the electrical circuit to motor 233causing the motor 233 to shut off and allowing the bag that has beenindexed into the loading position and over-indexed to some extent toeither function in the normal manner or if the bag is incapable of thisfor some reason, such as being split, the bag can be removed.

The tapes 252 and 253 are threaded over respective idler rollers 254 and255 and between the gear conveying wheels 235 and 236 and below thewheels through aspirator 294 for air conveyance away from the conveyingwheels 235 and 236. The tapes 1 are stuck together when they are passedin between the wheels 235 and 236 and threaded through the opening 295.The tapes are drawn down into the aperture by the moving air injected ina downward direction and propelled from the lower end of the aperture.The upper end of the aspirator throat 295 has an enlarged entrance 296to aid in threading the tapes into the throat and also in theircontinuous conveyance through the throat 295. The aspirator has twoinlets or air injection passages, 297 and 300 that enter the throat 295from opposite sides at a downstream angle below said enlarged entrance296. The inlets 297 and 300 are connected through lines 301 and 302 to aconnecting T 303 which is connected by line 304 to a valving sole noid285 which is connected by line 305 to the high pressure mandrel whichhas its air pressure maintained at 45 psi. The spent tapes 252 and 253are normally stuck adhesive face to adhesive face as they pass throughthe wheels 235 and 236. The spent tapes then are drawn through theaspirator 294 away from the gear wheels 235 and 236 and flow back intothe box 306 (FIG. 6) for disposal.

The box 306 is positioned on rollers 307 which are secured to the frame146 which mounts both the unit 144 and the unit 221. The rollers 307form a platform under unit 221 and extend back under conveyor 322. Atape cutter knife 311 is provided adjacent to the aspirator and mountedon the front face 261 of the unit 221 so that when the box 306 is to bereplaced by a new I box, the tape may be severed by raising it frombelow the aspirator and severing it, allowing the box to be removed withthe spent tape therein. The tape cutting knife member 311 has a knifeblade 312 therein. The tapes 252 and 253 extend beyond the region ofattachment of the last bag in the particular chain of imbricated bagsand can be hooked to the lead tapes in a subsequent box of imbricatedbags to form a continuous chain therewith as further described incopending patent application Ser. No. 666,855, inventor Ralph L. Wing,entitled Package of Bags which is assigned to the same assignee as thisapplication.

Looking now in particularly at FIG. 6, the tape bags 245 are fed fromsupply box 306 which is below the unit 221 up between the front framemembers of frame 146 and depending on the length of the bag over one ofthe respective rollers 314A, 314B, and 314C of unit 313 up onto thesurface 223 of the unit 221. Of course, a supply box 306 is provided foreach product insertion table 216, 217, 220 and 221. The tape bag feedermay be seen to include the horizontal rollers 314A and 31413 which arein general alignment with the upper surfaces of the product insertiontables. The tape bag feeder also includes the second set of rollers 307which is below horizontal rollers 314A and 3148 and aids in receivingand positioning the packages of imbricated bags for dispensing overrollers 314A and 314B. Roller 314C is a gravity conveying productconveying roller and it is aligned with and joined in an assembly withrollers 314A and 314B. Roller 314C serves to dispense a bagged productfrom the product insertion table. Of course, the bagged product alsopasses over and slips over the bag covered rollers 341A and 314B.

As may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, the rollers 314A, 3148, and 314C aremounted on a frame 317 which rotates at its journaled mounting 320 inthe frame 146. The unit 313 may be rotated on journaled mounting 320toward the packaged product conveyor 322 so that it will lay thereon foraccess into the space therebelow or when conveyor 322 is moved as shallbe explained next.

The bagged product belt conveyor 322 has a frame 319 secured atjournaled mounting 320 to the frame 146,and held in position by supportmember 309. It will, of course, be understood that journaled mounting320, and support members 309 have exact counter parts in reverse at theother side of the frame 146. Bracket 308 connects the conveyor 322 tojournal mounting 320. Support member 309 has a pivotal mounting 315 andis bolted to the conveyor 322 by bolt 316. Upon removing the bolts 316the conveyor 322 will swing down under the upperframe members to makethe frame 146 and its connected parts narrower for easy entrance throughplant doors and through other narrow passageways. Of course, theconveyor 322 is of 'such a width that it will pass above the rollers 307and may be swung under the frame 146 until the support member 309 may berebolted through the use of bolts 316 to secure the conveyor 322 againstmovement during shipment. The conveyor 322 is powered by an electricmotor 323.

The loaded bag would pass from the product insertion tables supportsurface 223, for example, across the unit 313 and directly down onto theconveying belt surface of the conveyor 322 which is below the unit 313.The bagged product belt conveyor is shown conveying in a directionperpendicular to the direction of alignment of the product insertiontables 216, 217, 220 and 221 in this preferred embodiment. Of course,the conveyor could be directed in other directions in specific plantsituations. To prevent theloaded bag from going off the side of theconveyor 322 when it is oriented perpendicularly to the direction ofloading, as

is shown in FIG. 1, an adjustable back stop 325 is provided. The backstop member 326 is secured to the slotted bracket member 327 which isbolted to the frame by bolt 330 so that the back stop may be adjusted byswinging it in or out the length of the slot or canting it in eitherdirection and then secured in position by tightening the bolt 330. Itwill, of course, be understood that a similar bracket is provided at theother end of the back stop member 326.

Looking now at FIGS. 1 and 2, the bag product conveyor 23 may includeseveral belt conveyors or a plurality of other conveyor means andmayinclude portions of conveyor means that also perform other functions. Asshown the bagged product conveyor includes not only belt conveyor 322but an additional belt c0nveyor 331 and a portion of belt conveyor 332.Of course, the belt conveyor 331 would have conventional support framemembers (not shown) as would also belt conveyor 332, the frame membersbeing omitted for the purpose of clarity of illustration of theinvention. A bagged product such as a poultry product 333 would passalong conveyor means 23 and. an operator standing at the position markedas 334 lifts the bagged product from the conveyor and positions it on avacuum nozzle 335. The apparatus shown displays only four nozzles, 335,336, 337 and 340 for purposes of illustration. Whereas in actual fact,six are present on the specific machine in operation. The number can bemore or less depending on the particular time sequence and number ofoperators who will operate the equipment and like considerations. Forclarity of illustration, only four are shown. Of course, the parts andoperation are the same regardless of the number of nozzles employed.

Looking now at the vacuumizing; and closing device 24, the device 24 hasa stand 341 which is shown in partial view in FIG. 2 which supports thedevice. A rigid hollow tubular member 342 is securely fastened to thestand 341 and an enlarged rotating member 343 is journaled thereon forrotation by the chain drive means 344 which is engaged on sprocket 345.The chain belt is driven at a constant speed by the: driving means 346which is powered by an electric motor 347 through gear box 350 andsprocket 351 which are mounted on the stand 341. The inside of member342 is hollow and has a vacuum supplied from a source (not shown)through vacuum hose 352 to an evacuation chamber 353 which is connectedvia ports (not shown) in the tubular member 342 to the vacuum passage orchannel 348 FIG. 14). The vacuum channel 348 is connected to plenumchamber 349 which connects with hoses 354, 355, 356 and 357 whichrespectively supply the vacuum to the respective nozzles 335, 336 and337 and 340. The inside of the passage 348 may be cleaned out throughopening 360 which is opened through trap 361.

Each nozzle 335, 336, 337 and 340 has a respective one of the mechanicalnozzle clamps 362 shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2, only one of themechanical nozzle clamps being shown. As may be seen, the clamp 362contains 2 linkage arms 363 and 364. Arm 364 has one end 365 pivotallysecured to the bottom surface of the clamping plate 366 (FIG. 2 and 14B)and the other end 367 pivotally secured to the pivotal clamp head 370.Clamp arm 363 has one end 373 secured to the

1. Twin reciprocal air dispensing tables, reciprocating respectivelybetween respective ones of the outer of said dispensing chutes andrespective ones of said adjacent intermediate dispenser chutes, each ofsaid reciprocal air dispensing tables having a loading chute on theupper surface thereof,
 1. A semi-automatic packaging machine forpackaging products in imbricated bags mounted on two spaced apartparallel strands of tape, I. A classifier including:
 1. A continuoustiming belt conveyor, said conveyor having its conveying surface atleast about one foot above the main manual working level of saidpackaging machine, and having marked positions thereon, each positioncorresponding to one timed feed sequence,
 2. A classifying conveyorscale sizer, said sizer being equipped to sense oversize, on size, andundersize,
 2. A product insertion table for each of said dispensingchutes in general alignment therewith, said product insertion tableshaving a forward edge defining the forward edge of a loading position,2. A classifying conveyor scale sizer, said sizer being equipped tosense oversize, on size, and undersize,
 2. A product insertion table foreach of said dispensing chutes in general alignment therewith, saidproduct insertion tables having a forward edge defining the forward edgeof a loading position,
 3. Bag tape puller for each of said productinsertion tables, A. a driven gear wheel, B. an idler gear wheel meshingwith said driven gear wheel, C. a pair of horizontally spaceD apartgrooved wheels for respectively guiding the strands of tape from theproduct insertion table to the meshing driven gear wheel and idler gearwheel, said pair of horizontally spaced apart grooved wheels beinglaterally adjustable to accommodate different spacing of the two tapes,D. a signaling means responsive to the presence or absence of a bag atthe forward edge of said loading position, and E. an indexing meansresponsive to said signaling means to sequentially activate said drivengear wheel to singly replace bags as they are singly removed from theforward edge of said loading position,
 3. Bag tape puller for each ofsaid product insertion tables, A. a driven gear wheel, B. an idler gearwheel meshing with said driven gear wheel, C. a pair of horizontallyspaceD apart grooved wheels for respectively guiding the strands of tapefrom the product insertion table to the meshing driven gear wheel andidler gear wheel, said pair of horizontally spaced apart grooved wheelsbeing laterally adjustable to accommodate different spacing of the twotapes, D. a signaling means responsive to the presence or absence of abag at the forward edge of said loading position, and E. an indexingmeans responsive to said signaling means to sequentially activate saiddriven gear wheel to singly replace bags as they are singly removed fromthe forward edge of said loading position,
 4. a tape bag feeder forfeeding tape bags to each of said bag tape pullers, said tape bag feederincluding: A. at least one first roller in general alignment with theupper surface of the product insertion table B. a second set of rollersbelow the respective first roller for receipt of packages of imbricatedbags to be fed over said first roller, to each bag tape puller, III. atleast one gravity conveying product conveying roller aligned with andjoined in an assembly with said first roller for dispensing a bagedproduct from the product insertion table. IV. bagged product beltconveyor, said bagged product belt conveyor conveying in a directionperpendicular to the direction of alignment of ''''said productinsertion table and tape bag feeder'''' and adjacent to and below''''said gravity conveying product conveying roller'''' for receivingthe bagged product directly therefrom, V. a vacuumizing and closingdevice at the feed out of said bagged product belt conveyor, saidvacuumizing and closing device having means for vacuumizing and closingthe bag and for conveying the bag so prepared to the opposite side ofsaid device from the feed in of said bagged product belt conveyor andfeeding said prepared bag from said device, VI. a belt conveyor adjacentto and in a direct line way from said vacuumizing and closing device forconveying said prepared bag therefrom, VII. a shrink tunnel, said shrinktunnel having means inside for heating the bag until it is shrunk intotight conformity with the product packaged therein, A. a belt conveyorpassing through said shrink tunnel and conveying the bag therethrough ata rate assuring a good tight bag on said product, said belt conveyoraligned with said vacuumizing and closing device and adjacent to itsfeed out end.
 3. An electronic eye having a beam at the dispensing endof said classifying conveyor scale responsive to interruptions toinitiate a response to the weight sensed by said classifying conveyorscale,
 3. An electronic eye having a beam at the dispensing end of saidclassifying conveyor scale responsive to interruptions to initiate aresponse to the weight sensed by said classifying conveyor scale,
 4. Apivotal gravity feed diverter chut pivoting to one of three positionsselected by response to the weight sensed by the classification conveyorsizer in response to the interruption of the electronic eye,
 4. a tapebag feeder for feeding tape bags to each of said bag tape pullers, saidtape bag feeder including: A. at least one first roller in generalalignment with the upper surface of the product insertion table B. asecond set of rollers below the respective first roller for receipt ofpackages of imbricated bags to be fed over said first roller, to eachbag tape puller, III. at least one gravity conveying product conveyingroller aligned with and joined in an assembly with said first roller fordispensing a baged product from the product insertion table. IV. baggedproduct belt conveyor, said bagged product belt conveyor conveying in adirection perpendicular to the direction of alignment of ''''saidproduct insertion table and tape bag feeder'''' and adjacent to andbelow ''''said gravity conveying product conveying roller'''' forreceiving the bagged product directly therefrom, V. a vacuumizing andclosing device at the feed out of said bagged product belt conveyor,said vacuumizing and closing device having means for vacuumizing andclosing the bag and for conveying the bag so prepared to the oppositeside of said device from the feed in of said bagged product beltconveyor and feeding said prepared bag from said device, VI. a beltconveyor adjacent to and in a direct line way from said vacuumizing andclosing device for conveying said prepared bag therefrom, VII. a shrinktunnel, said shrink tunnel having means inside for heating the bag untilit is shrunk into tight conformity with the product packaged therein, A.a belt conveyor passing through said shrink tunnel and conveying the bagtherethrough at a rate assuring a good tight bag on said product, saidbelt conveyor aligned with said vacuumizing and closing device andadjacent to its feed out end.
 4. A pivotal gravity feed diverter chutpivoting to one of three positions selected by response to the weightsensed by the classification conveyor sizer in response to theinterruption of the electronic eye,
 5. Indexing receiver means includingone outer slot chute for the oversize products, an opposite outer slotchute for the undersize products and two intermediate slot chutes forthe on weight products and a diverter gate means reciprocal to openalternately one and then the other of said two intermediate slot chutesin response to a product passing through the opening of said twointermediate slot chutes,
 5. Indexing receiver means including one outerslot chute for the oversize products, an opposite outer slot chute forthe undersize products and two intermediate slot chutes for the onweight products and a diverter gate means reciprocal to open alternatelyone and then the other of said two intermediate slot chutes in responseto a product passing through the opening of said two intermediate slotchutes,
 6. A gravity feed dispenser including four gravity feedinventory chutes, said chutes being aligned side by size and mating attheir upper ends respectively with said four slot chutes of saidindexing-receiver means, each of said chutes having A. a feed andstorage channel, B. an opening through its bottom at its lower exit end,and C. a reciprocal gate rising up and dropping down through saidopening to open and close said chute. II. A bag loader including
 6. Agravity feed dispenser including four gravity feed inventory chutes,said chutes being aligned side by size and mating at their upper endsrespectively with said four slot chutes of said indexing-receiver means,each of said chutes having A. a feed and storage channel, B. an openingthrough its bottom at its lower exit end, and C. a reciprocal gaterising up and dropping down through said opening to open and close saidchute. II. A bag loader including